​﻿Photography Ramblings

​Standard speed lights and external flashes, think Godox V860, Canon 430EX, Metz 55, Nikon SB500 etc. are a little on the large side for mirrorless and CSC cameras although you can use them. Personally, I find these standard size flashes too big and cumbersome, and make the camera top heavy and unbalanced which doesn’t make for a comfortable set up.

These standard size speed lights are fine for off-camera flash, but then when I am photographing parties, events and functions where I have to work the room and adopt a “run and gun” photography style off camera flash isn’t a viable option.

All the major manufacturers sell external flash units for their CSC and mirrorless cameras, and whilst these flashes are the perfect size the low guide number of 10m or so means they are underpowered. These flashes are also over-priced and damn expensive for what they are and what they can do too.

The manufacturers have clearly been listening to the ever growing number of CSC and mirrorless camera users and there are now some very good external flashes and speed lights available that are perfect for CSC and mirrorless cameras. Whilst these flashes aren’t as powerful as the standard speed lights they do pack a punch and will emit a good amount of light. These speed lights are small, compact, portable and also nicely balanced when used in the hot shoe of CSC and mirrorless cameras.

Having used many different smaller speed lights and external flash units in this class my top three are as follows:-

Like all Nissin speed lights the little i40 is a tough and durable flash that is built to a high spec. This flash is tiny (and I mean tiny) and to appreciate just how small it is you have to see it in the flesh, put it on your camera’s hot shoe and take some shots.

This flash doesn’t have an LCD screen on the back to change the settings but there are two dials so there is no need to go delving in the camera’s menu to change any of the flash settings. I like this dial layout as it is not only quick and efficient but also logical and user friendly. The only disadvantage with this type of layout is when the light levels fade it can be a little tricky to see what you’re doing.

Not only is this flash very well put together but it is also packed full of features, including full manual mode, TTL mode, HSS mode and slave mode to name just a few. You’l have to trust me when I say this flash will do everything you need it to, and more.

The Metz 26 is another tiny flash that is made with CSC and mirrorless cameras in mind. Whilst this flash doesn’t kick out as much power as the Nissin i40 the guide number at ISO100 is only a meter less, which is negligible in real world situations.

The Metz 26 is doesn’t have all the features the Nissin i40 does, but then if the metz does everything you need it to there really is no point is spending the additional 80 bucks or so (the same again and some) on the Nissin. The build quality of the Metz 26 is exceptionally good, especially given its low cost so it is great value for money.

You can’t change the flash settings on the back of this flash so you have to go delving in to the camera’s menu to do so. I have to say I am not a fan of having to do this, but don’t let this put you off buying this flash – overall it is exceptionally good and one I would definitely recommend.

The Godox TT350 is a relatively new flash on the market, and I have to say it is my personal favourite. I have been using Godox speed lights for the last few years now and own several V860s, a couple of AD360s and a single AD600. I discovered the Godox brand by chance and boy am I glad I did.

Like all Godox speed lights the TT350 is a well-made and sturdy unit that is packed full of features (including manual mode, TTL mode and HSS mode) that is very competitively priced.

Like the Nissin i40 you can change the flash settings from the flash itself and not have to go delving in to the camera’s menu system. This means I can make all the necessary tweaks quickly and efficiently. Unlike the Nissin i40 flash the Godox has an LCD screen, which means seeing the settings when the light is low isn’t a problem.

All the buttons and dials on the Godox TT350 are liad out in a sensible and logical manner and everything you need is close to hand. This is a user friendly flash, which I really like.
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So what is the best flash for mirrorless cameras?

So which is the best one? This is a question that is not so easy to answer as it depends on your specific needs and your shooting style, among other things. All I can say is that all of them are worth a look, and I guarantee that whichever one you end up with you will not be disappointed.
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Keen photographer addicted to cameras, lenses and everything photography related. Feel free to follow me in my photography ramblings, and if you have any thoughts, comments, queries or anything else to add I would love to hear from you.